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National Cookie Day
On December 4th, National Cookie Day celebrates one of the world's most beloved treats in all their glorious varieties, from the Sesame...
Dec 4, 20244 min read
Jazz Trumpeter Bitsy Mullins
From 1944 to the mid 1960s, Pine Bluff native and jazz trumpeter Bitsy Mullins performed with numerous orchestras across the country,...
Nov 29, 20244 min read
The Historic Connection Between Elm Grove Baptist Church & Taylor Lake
In August 2024, the historic Elm Grove Baptist Church, the first African American church in Arkansas built by slaves in 1843, marked its...
Nov 20, 20243 min read
Pine Bluff’s Theater District: Second Avenue’s History-Making Theaters
During Pine Bluff’s heyday, Second Avenue served as the local theater district, attracting hundreds of movie patrons and theater goers....
Nov 13, 20244 min read
The Politics of Slavery & Inherited Power in the South
In their June report, Reuters, an international news agency, found that a fifth of the U.S. political elite, including members of...
Nov 6, 20245 min read
Pine Bluff Stories: Runaway Slaves & the Fight for Freedom
The Delta swamps served as safe havens for enslaved runaways. Not only did they find refuge, but the Arkansas bayous, marshes and woods...
Oct 30, 20242 min read
The Pine Bluff Fall Harvest Festival
In the early 1920s, Pine Bluff’s Fall Festival was the talk of the town attracting thousands of visitors and displaying the richness of...
Oct 23, 20243 min read
Faye Clarke: Educational Philanthropist
In 1991, Faye Clarke founded the Educate the Children Foundation with her husband Frank Clarke, supporting rural and impoverished school...
Oct 17, 20243 min read
Les Spann
From 1957 to 1967, Pine Bluff native and jazz musician Les Spann appeared on over 78 top jazz sessions, recorded with jazz greats like...
Oct 9, 20243 min read
Gathright's Saturday Night Jamboree: One of the South’s Greatest Radio Shows
In the early 1940s to 1950s, Gathright's Saturday Night Jamboree was billed as “One of the South’s Greatest Radio Shows.” Much like...
Oct 9, 20242 min read
Silas Hunt & The Desegregation of the University of Arkansas School of Law
On February 2, 1948, Silas Hunt was admitted to the all-white University of Arkansas Law School, becoming the first black student...
Sep 25, 20244 min read
Louis Natheaux
Louis Natheaux was a Hollywood actor who appeared in over 150 films. Throughout his career, he appeared in films alongside many of...
Sep 11, 20242 min read
Vernon Garrett
Vernon Garrett is a blues singer who has released 3 compilations, 12 albums, and over 30 singles so far. He was also featured on the...
Sep 5, 20244 min read
Helen Seamon & The Wizard of Oz
Helen Seamon was a talented dancer, singer, and actress on the chorus line in more than 15 MGM films from 1935 to 1945. She is best known...
Aug 21, 20243 min read
Cult Classic Film Brian’s Song & Pine Bluff Native Harold E. Wooley
Pine Bluff native Harold E. Wooley, worked tirelessly for over 20 years on a number of popular television movies, animated series, and...
Aug 7, 20244 min read
Sarah E. Howard and Dollarway High School
On January 21 1963, Sarah E. Howard became the first African American student to integrate Dollarway High School. She later went on to...
Jul 31, 20246 min read
Janette Davis
Janette Davis, also known as Jan The Pride of Pine Bluff, was a pop singer known for being a regular on Arthur Godfrey’s numerous...
Jul 24, 20244 min read
Larry Totsy Davis
Larry Totsy Davis was an electric blues musician best known for releasing and co-writing the song Texas Flood, which later launched the...
Jul 17, 20242 min read
Anshe Emeth
On March 13, 1867, Anshe Emeth became the first Jewish congregation to receive a charter from the Arkansas state legislature. Anshe Emeth...
Jul 3, 20245 min read
Joshua Altheimer
Hailing from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Joshua Altheimer was among the most talented pre-World War II blues pianists. He played alongside “Big...
Jun 26, 20242 min read
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